A little background…

When Ashleigh approached Ellen and me to collaborate on a postpartum solution, I was unaware of the immense challenges faced by mothers on a daily basis. I haven’t experienced motherhood firsthand (yet!), so my understanding of the postpartum period was limited to stories shared by friends, family members, and my own mother. Little did I know the depth of the issues being ignored and overlooked. It became evident during our customer discovery phase that countless parents were struggling, prompting me to question why no one was taking action and why those who spoke up were getting buried under the rug.

The myth of the village…

The familiar adage, “It takes a village to raise a child,” paints a picturesque image of support and community. However, beneath the surface lies the subtle message, “Hey, everyone goes through this, so you should be able to handle it on your own.” We questioned the existence of this village, realizing that the support available to parents was abysmal. While some fortunate individuals can rely on family members and relatives for a few days or weeks, what about everyone else? Moreover, the inadequate state of maternity and paternity leave further hampers parents’ ability to support themselves, each other, and their newborns. Is it fair to expect parents to silently endure such a challenging transition?

Realizing the enormity of the problem…

Our realization extended beyond viewing postpartum struggles as merely a family matter. We recognized that it encompasses public health, work culture, and societal structures. It became clear that addressing this problem required a concerted effort. As a result, the three of us decided to combine our skills and knowledge to take a step in the right direction. We knew that our postpartum solution, Auntie, had to be more than just another resource for parents. It had to represent the nurturing aunt figure that we envisioned for everyone in need.

Auntie: A step in the right direction…

Auntie is more than just a postpartum resource; it’s a symbol of the support and understanding that every parent deserves during this critical phase of their lives. Through Auntie, we aim to bridge the gap between parents and the help they require. By addressing the postpartum struggles head-on, we hope to contribute to improved public health outcomes, challenge prevailing work cultures, and advocate for necessary changes in societal structures.

So in conclusion…

The postpartum period is often overshadowed and dismissed, leaving countless parents feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Our journey with Auntie has opened our eyes to the magnitude of this issue, prompting us to question the lack of attention and support provided. We firmly believe that it is time to break the silence and address these struggles in a holistic manner. By working together, we can create a society that nurtures and supports parents during the postpartum period, ensuring a healthier and happier start to parenthood for all.